Staff MemberModeratorVCDS Map User

Wasn't there a time when the S-line 05-08 came with the rub strips, like the rest of the range?

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I'm not really too bothered about the various little differences between the models. All I want is for us to decide what we're going to name the 3 distinct models within 8P. That way when someone says they have bought an A3 8PB/Mk2 (or whatever we decide) we all know exactly which one they mean.

For years like 2004, 2006-07 & 2009 it's not a problem but all the others years it can be confusing.

TT-S Coupe, previously 8P2 S3
For advice on Air Con problems please read my FAQs.
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Gold SupporterVCDS Map UserAudi A3quattro

Personally, I don't see the problem with just stating the year of the car. Oh well, if it makes it easier for the more numerically challenged, so be it.

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The only problem is that when you state the year do you mean the year of registration or the model year. A 2008 car could have been registered in January 2008 and be an 8P2 or registered in November 2008 in which case it would be a 8P3. Both would be 2008.

I meant the model year, as most people will know that. If they don't, it's just as easy to tell them how to find out, as it is to explain the cut off for 8P1/2/3. And if they're looking in the chassis number for it, there's no confusion at all. If they're new to Audis or A3s and have no idea about the changes from one year to another, they'd probably find it easier to find the model year and then see where that fits rather than trying to work it out from photos of cars that all look the same to a lot of people. I know we can see the differences and they seem obvious to us, but a lot of people genuinely can't when they're new to the model.

Staff MemberModeratorVCDS Map User

I meant the model year, as most people will know that. If they don't, it's just as easy to tell them how to find out, as it is to explain the cut off for 8P1/2/3. And if they're looking in the chassis number for it, there's no confusion at all. If they're new to Audis or A3s and have no idea about the changes from one year to another, they'd probably find it easier to find the model year and then see where that fits rather than trying to work it out from photos of cars that all look the same to a lot of people. I know we can see the differences and they seem obvious to us, but a lot of people genuinely can't when they're new to the model.

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The idea of the numbering system is the help everyone, not just new users. Up to now people have referred to a model as facelift, pre-facelift, single grill, double grill, open mouth, the year etc etc. It's not that it's a complicated thing that we can't work out, it's just I thought it would be better if we had a simple system so we don't have to even think about it.

As has been pointed out, using the year is not a foolproof system.

What I hope to achieve in the forum is where new members have a scan through the FAQs thread to either learn something straight away or know that there's lots there to learn from. What's needed in turn from all the senior members is when someone asks a question where the answer is in the FAQs they are directed to the FAQs thread to get the best possible answer that's already been given on this forum over the years.

In terms of the 8P1/2/3 if you are brand new to Audis or A3s you probably don't know that there have been 3 versions, but just having a 2 minute look through my post you'll learn a huge amount and even if you can't instantly distinguish the 3 models you'll at least have a thread you can refer to for help. Again, new users using descriptions like "it isn't the one with the double grill but it's not as new as the facelft" should be referred to this thread.

One thing I should add though is the dates each model was built from and too. I have just learned that I there are no specific dates for the change over to the single frame grill as it was done a different times for the sportback and 3dr. I'll just use 2005.

Can anyone remember what month last year did the first 8P3s roll off the production line?

TT-S Coupe, previously 8P2 S3
For advice on Air Con problems please read my FAQs.
To find ASN members with VCDS check out the MAP.

...Again, new users using descriptions like "it isn't the one with the double grill but it's not as new as the facelft" should be referred to this thread...

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Why? Sorry, that's a genuine question and I'm not trying to wind anyone up, but that description is perfect and everyone will know exactly what they're talking about. If you get someone who actually knows the cars, just randomly browsing the site they wouldn't have a clue what you were talking about if you said you had an 8P2. They'd actually have to look up this thread to find out that you'd come up with a numbering system for the models and then it would make sense to them. Anything starting 8P0/1/2/3/4 instantly makes me think part numbers.

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